HC Deb 01 March 1900 vol 79 cc1410-1
MR. GRANT LAWSON () York, N. R., Thirsk

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury whether he has any news from South Africa?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

I have just received from the War Office a telegram which has been sent to the Secretary of State from Sir Redvers Buller. It runs as follows— I have just returned from Ladysmith. Except a small rear guard north of Surprise Hill, the whole of the enemy lately besieging it have retired in hot haste, and to the south of the town the country is quite clear. The garrison were on a half-pound of meal a day, and were supplementing their meal rations by horses and mules. The men will want a little nursing before they are fit for the field.

MAJOR RASCH () Essex, S. E.

May I ask whether that is the reason why the War Office, with their usual ingenuity, have had their flag flying at half-mast all day?

[No answer was returned.]